GINZA ICHIBUN

Green sea urchin (Bafun uni)

【Nigiri sushi: Gyoran】
Bafun uni (Green sea urchin) is found from the southern areas of Hokkaido down to Kyushu. The shell is about 4cm in diameter and green in color. Their spines are short but sharp. They are delicious eaten raw but they can also be prepared as salted sea urchin or “Tsubu-uni” (processed urchin). Since they have a low yield, most are consumed locally.

Besides Japan, many are imported from South Korea, China, the US, Canada, Chile and other places. Most uni presented as Bafun uni at sushi restaurants is Ezobafun uni from Hokkaido. Niether Toyosu Market nor sushi restaurants distinguish between Bafun uni and Ezobafun uni.

Ask the sushi chef, Red or white?

The answer is usually Red. This means that it is either Short-spined sea urchin (Ezobafun uni) or Green sea urchin (Bafun uni).